I am delighted to share some highlights of the incredible beauty and antiquity that Sicily has to offer as well as the fun time we had.

Our first day began in an unforgettable way. We were treated to a guided tour of Monreale - this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Norman - Arab - Byzantine Art.Father Bellante, who is writing a book on the exquisite mosaics found here was our guide. He even took us directly up to the alter - which is ground that few people have access to. The explanations he gave in regard to the use of astronomy and the symbolism of both the Old & New Testaments in determining the physical placement of the church and the mosaics gave me goosebumps!

​Day Two’s highlight for me was the morning visit to the medieval town of Erice - the Assisi of Sicily with roots that go back to the Phoenicians. Situated on the northwest tip of Sicily almost 2500 feet above sea level it is a perfect strategic sight.

We also saw windmills from the 1700s in the afternoon that were used to extract salt from the sea and stopped at Segesta a beautiful and remote temple from Ancient Greek times.

On Day Three we visited Corleone to see the Anti-Mafia museum. I admire greatly Sicily’s young people, who have dedicated themselves to fighting back. The afternoon was spent with our dear friend Orsola, who imports her Galardo olive oil to Charlottesville. She took us on a tour of family’s country farmlands and treated us to an amazing wine-tasting.

Day Four - To know that these temples were built so very long ago boggles the mind. We were sitting under an 800 year old olive tree to take this photo of a temple that was built in 600 BC.

Day Five was a visit to another wonder of antiquity only this time from the Roman era. Imagine how sumptuous this Roman estate was to have such incredible mosaic pavements and a lifestyle that seems quite recognizable to some of us.